Legal Question in Employment Law in Washington

Can an employer revoke or change an offer of employment after it has been verbal

I had an intervirew with a company, and received a verbal offer of employment the next day over the telephone. I called back a few days later and spoke with the same person that made me the offer. I verbally accepted the offer. He was going to get back to me with a date for me to come into the office to sign various papers for this position. I was scheduled to start on July 1, 2002.

This morning, 4 days later, I received a call from this same person. He informed me that the offer has been reduced (by about $6,000 per year), and the start date has been pushed out by 2 weeks.

I feel that I have been harmed by this, as I have severed communication with other potential employers and recruiters.

What are my options? Do I have a case against this employer?


Asked on 6/21/02, 2:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Craig Crispin Crispin Employment Lawyers

Re: Can an employer revoke or change an offer of employment after it has been ve

If the offer was for employment at will, the employer probably was within its rights to change the terms and conditions of employment at any time, including before you commenced work. Employment at will means the employer and employee have the right to terminate the relationship -- and also to change the terms of the relationship -- at any time for any reason (other than an illegal reason). As a result, the employer would have had the right to change the terms and conditions of employment at any time after commencement of employment, including the first day, which means you have no damages.

If the employer made false representations to you to induce you to leave your prior employment, for some ulterior motive, you might have a fraud action. Other legal theories might be tried, but you don't have any that are sure fire.

Also, you should consider whether you have suffered sufficient damages to justify a strain on the new employment relationship. Taking action will, of course, strain that relationship significantly.

The above constitutes general comments about your situation as described in a very brief manner. Do not rely on this note as specific legal advice. Consult a lawyer for advice on your specific legal problem.

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Answered on 7/01/02, 8:35 pm


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